POINT PLEASANT – With the busiest part of the summer boating season ahead, Gov. Chris Christie signed a bill into law Thursday aimed at increasing safe boating practices on inland lakes and waterways.

Christie signed the legislation during a ceremony at the New Jersey State Police Marine Services Bureau Station here. The Republican governor spent Thursday visiting shore towns in Monmouth and Ocean counties.

The law increases the penalty for anyone leaving the scene of a boating accident in New Jersey waters or for failing to assist anyone injured in a boating-related accident as required by law.

“With the summer season underway, New Jerseyans need to take all safety precautions into consideration as they enjoy recreational boating around the state,” Christie said. “Boating is about enjoying the summer and relaxing with your family and friends, but it also comes with a responsibility to the people you’re with and others on the water to be vigilant, responsible and safe, and to help stop accidents from happening to begin with.”

The law increases the penalty to a second-degree offense to leave the scene if the accident results in the death of anyone involved. Second-degree offenses will be punishable by five to 10 years in prison, up to $150,000 in fines, or both.

Joining Christie at the event was Bonnie Post, a victim of a boating-related hit-and-run accident that resulted in the death of her husband in August 2008 on the Metedeconk River in Brick. Since that tragedy, Post, 58, of Essex Fells, has been an advocate for this legislation to increase penalties and accountability for boating-related accidents and to help similar tragedies from happening to other people.

“By increasing the penalties for leaving the scene of an accident, this new law will help prevent this type of accident that tragically struck our family,” Post said. “Now having a consequences for this action will hopefully prevent an accident from happening.”

After the ceremony, the governor headed to Point Pleasant Beach boardwalk to meet beachgoers. During his hour on the boardwalk, Christie took part in various Jersey Shore traditions, including drinking a large orangeade milkshake from Kohr’s Frozen Custard and taking selfies with fellow boardwalk-goers.

Antonio Acosta, 35, of Dover, and his 2-year-old son, Mason, could not pass up the opportunity to get their photos with the state’s top political figure.

“He could be our next president,” Acosta said. “It’s nice of him to take the time to come out here and meet the people.”

Nicholas Huba: 732-557-5617; nhuba@app.com

BEHIND THE NEWS

Last year, New Jersey experienced a slight increase in boating-related accidents — 126 compared with 124 in 2012. In addition, there were eight fatalities, a casualty rate consistent with the six to eight deaths seen annually on New Jersey waters since 2009. For 2014, there have been 36 accidents so far, with one fatality.